176 Letters to Benjamin Franklin 



From W[illia]m Greene. 1775. November 13. Westerly [R. I.]. 



Acknowledging Franklin's favor from New Haven. At a loss to 

 express his gratitude to Franklin for taking his little son under his 

 care; consults him as to the best means of making him a useful member 

 of society. A. L. S. i p. IV, 71. 



From Caty Greene. 1775. November 13. Westerly [R. I.]. 



Cannot express how pleased she is to have her boy with Franklin ; 

 hopes he may deserve such goodness. A. L. S. i p. IV, 71^. 



From Marg[are]t Stevenson. 

 1775. November 16. Northumberland Court. 



Expressing the deepest devotion to Franklin and mentioning all the 

 friends who come to her house to talk of him and lament his absence. 

 Mr. Strahan sorry to differ from Franklin, but it is a matter of principle. 

 Does not know if he will ever get this letter; expects it will be opened, 

 but is sure they will be puzzled to decipher it. A. L. S. 3 p. IV, 72. 



From Horatio Gates. 1775. December 5. Headquarters. 



News received of the capture of Quebec by their troops, assisted by 

 6000 Canadians. Burgoyne sails for London that very day; thinks if 

 there is an honest mob left in London he and Gage cannot ride the 

 streets in safety. Franklin will hear in Congress of their success at 

 sea. Insists upon the condemnation of the Glasgow ship ; every tittle of 

 clothing on board needed for the soldiers. Trouble in retaining the Con- 

 necticut troops. Anxiously awaiting the results of the committee sent to 

 Montreal; wishes Franklin could have been one of them. Splendid 

 conduct of Gen. Montgomery and Col. Arnold. A play-house estab- 

 lished in Boston, which opened with a tragedy; very possible it may 

 conclude with one. A. L. S. 4 p. IV, 73. 



Fro?n Horatio Gates. 1775. December 7. Headquarters. 



Enclosing a copy of General Lee's letter lately sent to Gen. Burgoyne, 

 if Franklin approves it may be published in the newspapers. Longs to 

 send him his and Lee's opinions of the military measures to be pur- 

 sued in Canada. Deprecates so much wrangling about forms of gov- 

 ernment; let them first establish their freedom; let them not tarnish the 

 glorious and successful Continental arms by timid conduct; Franklin 

 does not need these arguments; they are for certain others. A. L. S. 

 2 p. IV, 74. 



